Sustainable developments in water treatment strive to better society, the economy, and the environment. The concept stems from knowing that there are growing populations causing a higher demand of natural resources. It is reducing the availability of the resources that our lives depend on. Those who provide the services take on the role of not only the provider, but the protector of public and environmental health as well. Using sustainability as part of the decision making process takes these challenges into account and takes on the responsibility to provide an acceptable quality of life for future generations. [1]
Figure 1: These are the three pillars of sustainability and it is shown herethat they are all needed to achieve a sustainable environment.Lacking one would cause an imbalance in the system.
Definition
Sustainability, according to dictionary.com, is the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed. [2] This is then applied to the environment and the resources we use in our daily lives. A sustainable resource should not be harmful to the environment and it should not be exhausting natural resources. This means renewable resources should not be harvested faster than they can regenerate, pollution and waste should not be generated past the capacity that the environment can absorb, and nonrenewable resources need to require comparable substitutes for that resource.[3] Economic sustainability focuses on the economy and its ability to support economic production. [4] Social sustainability the focuses on the last part, the social system. A country, for example, needs to be able to have a steady level of social well being and function at that level indefinitely. [5] All three pillars need to function at a balanced defined level indefinitely to achieve sustainability.
Applying this to water systems and treatment, it is important to remember that was is sustainable in one part of the world might not be sustainable in another. A lot depends on the area and what resources are available.
Historical Background
Ancient History
Water purification dates back to the ancient Greeks in 2000 BC where people found that heating water would purify it. They used techniques such as sand and gravel filtration, boiling, and straining. The main reason for their efforts was to get a better tasting drinking water. This was before they knew the difference between clean and dirty water and not much was known about microorganisms or chemical contaminants.
Egyptians first discovered coagulation in 1500 BC. Pictures of this purification technique were found on the wall of the tomb of Amenophis II and Ramses II.
Hippocrates found that water could have healing powers around 500 BC and invented the practice of using a bag filter. The main purpose of it was to trap material that caused bad tastes and odors.
500-1500 AD lacked scientific innovations and experiments and it was known as the Dark Ages. The Roman Empire fell and enemies destroyed many existing aqueducts. The water supply was no longer as sophisticated and the future of water was unclear.
17th Century and On
Sir Francis Bacon experimented with seawater desalination in 1627. It did not work well, but it opened the door for other experiments to get started. In 1676, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek used a microscope he built to see the first microorganisms.
The first ever municipal water treatment plant was built in Scotland in 1804 and designed by Robert Thom. It was originally distributed by a horse pulling a cart until pipes were installed a couple years later.
Water disinfection came around in 1854 when John Snow found that the direct cause of the outbreak of cholera was spread through a water pump contaminated by sewage water. The water from the pump smelt and tasted normal so that is when the conclusion was made that smell and taste alone could not determine safe drinking water. This led to the first government water regulation.
Throughout the late 1800s and into the 1900s different chemicals were used to disinfect water and more filters were installed. 1972 brought the Clean Water Act in the United States with the Safe Drinking Water Act being passing shortly after in 1974. The general concept of the act was that everyone would have the right to safe drinking water.
Starting in the 1970s the focus shifted to water pollution and regulations focused on industrial waste and industrial water contamination. Lead pipes corroded into water and became a concern, most were replaced with a different material. Today the focus for experiments is disinfection by-products and improving the process making sustainability a goal.[6]
Intended Improvements
The water treatment process is extensive and detailed, but it is important to strive for improvements toward sustainability because freshwater is a limited source. The simple answer to why we should care is shown in Figure 2 by the resource funnel. It illustrates the relationship between resource consumption and resource availability. Rising populations are consuming more resources but the rate at which the resources can be available does not change. If we did not adjust our resource usage, the left diagram shows that we would eventually run out and that would create many issues. We need to strive to live by the diagram on the right and realize that we only have so many resources here on earth. We need to make smart decisions to direct developments toward a sustainable society in the future. [7]
Figure 2: The Resource Funnel
Guaranteeing reliable access to water that is clean and affordable is one of the greatest global challenges this century. We need to improve the way we treat, distribute, use, and reuse water.Nanotechnology is one solution to work toward this goal. The properties of nano-materials are useful for many applications including sensors for water quality monitoring, specialty absorbents, solar disinfection/decontamination, and high performance membranes. The most important part is that it gives a promising ability to develop high performance decentralized treatments systems with a low need for maintenance. [8]
There is a program that is working on the sustainability of desalination. This also is a form of nanotechnology proving that it is a strategy that is growing in scientific and public recognition.[9]
In 2010 the standard approach to water treatment systems was to use large centralized facilities. This treatment of huge amounts of water does not always evenly treat the whole tank. Some contaminants could be missed and that would cause significant health and environmental impacts depending on the application of the water. For this scenario the solution is to migrate from the large-scale centralized systems to small-scale local treatments. This allows for demands in the area to be met and it will increase the water quality overall. [10]
Smart monitoring systems can be used to monitor leaks and water loss in pipe systems. There are about 45 cubic meters lost every day. Being able to pinpoint leaks quicker would allow us to reduce this number.
Intelligent irrigation should be used to manage the water going into agriculture. About 70% of the world's freshwater is used by this industry. We can use precision irrigation systems that can monitor the amount of water given to each area to avoid over-watering. [11]
Advantages
Advantages to getting these improvements implemented focus on bettering communities. Not only here and now but also in the long run. When we find ways to increase the sustainability of water treatment we are saving resources, improving health situations, and benefiting the environment and the community. We need to prepare the earth to support many more generations. Taking care of what we have now is going to allow for more progress in research and a higher quality of life.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantages that this all comes down to is time and money. Doing research to find solutions then implementing it takes large amounts of those two important things, but it all pays out in the end. The goal is that the pay out will be much greater. We cannot put a price on natural resources because when they are gone, they are gone. We need to take the time and money and focus it on improvements so we do not run out of the necessities humans need to live.
Applications to Construction
Water treatment does not directly work with the construction industry, however there are many construction projects that work on building waste water treatment plants.
There is such thing as a constructed wetland. It is a sustainable alternative to conventional waste water treatments. It is a way to take natural plants and bacteria and put them to use. The primary characteristics include decentralization, small scale, closed loops and an approach that integrates potable storm water and waste water needs into a single self-reinforcing system. It typically costs 50% as much to build and operated compared to traditional systems. It also has the ability to reduce the water demand by 50%. The savings directly go back into the communities, institutions, and companies that use the system.[12]
Success Story
In 2006, Fiji launched a four-year project to reduce levels of contaminated water that were leaking into the reef by developing sustainable, practical water solutions to treat wastewater in the area. The environment was endangered with plenty of tainted water finding its way into the marine environment. The health of the community was affected along with the tourism industry.
The project was launched and funded by the New Zealand Aid Program while working with the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). These organizations worked closely with the village community. It was important to the partnership that everyone who wanted to be involved could be in regards to their water systems. According to the project lead Chris Tanner, "The success of the Wai Votua project was dependent on the willingness of the community to participate... the project has been able to engage the whole community in achieving the sustainable water and wast solutions that they will be able to manage themselves into the future."
The project resulted in a sustainable water treatment system that could be constructed and maintained by local labor and natural resources. The water supply and sewage treatment were greatly improved with the use of filters and septic tanks. Families were educated about the quality and monitoring of water use.[13]
Figure 3: Fiji Community Working on the Project
Recent Research
The Texas oil and gas industries use large amounts of water each and every day. In July 2014 a report was written by the Atlantic Council of the Energy and Environment program with ideas and ways that the industry can practice sustainable water management. One alternative was to use non-freshwater sources to run machines and for the hydraulic fracturing process. [14]
The Alan Plummer Associates Inc. worked with the Texas Water Development Board and environmental engineers and scientists in February 2011 to research different ways to reuse water. Their four strategic goal areas included infrastructure, management and customer relations, water quality, and water resources and environmental sustainability. [15]
^ Xiaolei Qu, Jonathon Brame, Qilin Li, and Pedro J. J. Alvarez. (2013). "Nanotechnology for a Safe and Sustainable Water Supply: Enabling Integrated Water Treatment and Reuse." Accounts of Chemical Research 201346 (3), 834-843. <http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ar300029v#citing> (Dec. 2, 2015).
Introduction
Sustainable developments in water treatment strive to better society, the economy, and the environment. The concept stems from knowing that there are growing populations causing a higher demand of natural resources. It is reducing the availability of the resources that our lives depend on. Those who provide the services take on the role of not only the provider, but the protector of public and environmental health as well. Using sustainability as part of the decision making process takes these challenges into account and takes on the responsibility to provide an acceptable quality of life for future generations. [1]
Table of Contents
Definition
Sustainability, according to dictionary.com, is the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld, or confirmed. [2] This is then applied to the environment and the resources we use in our daily lives. A sustainable resource should not be harmful to the environment and it should not be exhausting natural resources. This means renewable resources should not be harvested faster than they can regenerate, pollution and waste should not be generated past the capacity that the environment can absorb, and nonrenewable resources need to require comparable substitutes for that resource.[3] Economic sustainability focuses on the economy and its ability to support economic production. [4] Social sustainability the focuses on the last part, the social system. A country, for example, needs to be able to have a steady level of social well being and function at that level indefinitely. [5] All three pillars need to function at a balanced defined level indefinitely to achieve sustainability.Applying this to water systems and treatment, it is important to remember that was is sustainable in one part of the world might not be sustainable in another. A lot depends on the area and what resources are available.
Historical Background
Ancient History
Water purification dates back to the ancient Greeks in 2000 BC where people found that heating water would purify it. They used techniques such as sand and gravel filtration, boiling, and straining. The main reason for their efforts was to get a better tasting drinking water. This was before they knew the difference between clean and dirty water and not much was known about microorganisms or chemical contaminants.Egyptians first discovered coagulation in 1500 BC. Pictures of this purification technique were found on the wall of the tomb of Amenophis II and Ramses II.
Hippocrates found that water could have healing powers around 500 BC and invented the practice of using a bag filter. The main purpose of it was to trap material that caused bad tastes and odors.
The first aqueducts were built in Rome between 300-200 BC as well as Archimedes' Screw.
Middle Ages
500-1500 AD lacked scientific innovations and experiments and it was known as the Dark Ages. The Roman Empire fell and enemies destroyed many existing aqueducts. The water supply was no longer as sophisticated and the future of water was unclear.17th Century and On
Sir Francis Bacon experimented with seawater desalination in 1627. It did not work well, but it opened the door for other experiments to get started. In 1676, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek used a microscope he built to see the first microorganisms.The first ever municipal water treatment plant was built in Scotland in 1804 and designed by Robert Thom. It was originally distributed by a horse pulling a cart until pipes were installed a couple years later.
Water disinfection came around in 1854 when John Snow found that the direct cause of the outbreak of cholera was spread through a water pump contaminated by sewage water. The water from the pump smelt and tasted normal so that is when the conclusion was made that smell and taste alone could not determine safe drinking water. This led to the first government water regulation.
Throughout the late 1800s and into the 1900s different chemicals were used to disinfect water and more filters were installed. 1972 brought the Clean Water Act in the United States with the Safe Drinking Water Act being passing shortly after in 1974. The general concept of the act was that everyone would have the right to safe drinking water.
Starting in the 1970s the focus shifted to water pollution and regulations focused on industrial waste and industrial water contamination. Lead pipes corroded into water and became a concern, most were replaced with a different material. Today the focus for experiments is disinfection by-products and improving the process making sustainability a goal.[6]
Intended Improvements
The water treatment process is extensive and detailed, but it is important to strive for improvements toward sustainability because freshwater is a limited source. The simple answer to why we should care is shown in Figure 2 by the resource funnel. It illustrates the relationship between resource consumption and resource availability. Rising populations are consuming more resources but the rate at which the resources can be available does not change. If we did not adjust our resource usage, the left diagram shows that we would eventually run out and that would create many issues. We need to strive to live by the diagram on the right and realize that we only have so many resources here on earth. We need to make smart decisions to direct developments toward a sustainable society in the future. [7]
Guaranteeing reliable access to water that is clean and affordable is one of the greatest global challenges this century. We need to improve the way we treat, distribute, use, and reuse water.Nanotechnology is one solution to work toward this goal. The properties of nano-materials are useful for many applications including sensors for water quality monitoring, specialty absorbents, solar disinfection/decontamination, and high performance membranes. The most important part is that it gives a promising ability to develop high performance decentralized treatments systems with a low need for maintenance. [8]
There is a program that is working on the sustainability of desalination. This also is a form of nanotechnology proving that it is a strategy that is growing in scientific and public recognition.[9]
In 2010 the standard approach to water treatment systems was to use large centralized facilities. This treatment of huge amounts of water does not always evenly treat the whole tank. Some contaminants could be missed and that would cause significant health and environmental impacts depending on the application of the water. For this scenario the solution is to migrate from the large-scale centralized systems to small-scale local treatments. This allows for demands in the area to be met and it will increase the water quality overall. [10]
Smart monitoring systems can be used to monitor leaks and water loss in pipe systems. There are about 45 cubic meters lost every day. Being able to pinpoint leaks quicker would allow us to reduce this number.
Intelligent irrigation should be used to manage the water going into agriculture. About 70% of the world's freshwater is used by this industry. We can use precision irrigation systems that can monitor the amount of water given to each area to avoid over-watering. [11]
Advantages
Advantages to getting these improvements implemented focus on bettering communities. Not only here and now but also in the long run. When we find ways to increase the sustainability of water treatment we are saving resources, improving health situations, and benefiting the environment and the community. We need to prepare the earth to support many more generations. Taking care of what we have now is going to allow for more progress in research and a higher quality of life.Disadvantages
The major disadvantages that this all comes down to is time and money. Doing research to find solutions then implementing it takes large amounts of those two important things, but it all pays out in the end. The goal is that the pay out will be much greater. We cannot put a price on natural resources because when they are gone, they are gone. We need to take the time and money and focus it on improvements so we do not run out of the necessities humans need to live.Applications to Construction
Water treatment does not directly work with the construction industry, however there are many construction projects that work on building waste water treatment plants.
There is such thing as a constructed wetland. It is a sustainable alternative to conventional waste water treatments. It is a way to take natural plants and bacteria and put them to use. The primary characteristics include decentralization, small scale, closed loops and an approach that integrates potable storm water and waste water needs into a single self-reinforcing system. It typically costs 50% as much to build and operated compared to traditional systems. It also has the ability to reduce the water demand by 50%. The savings directly go back into the communities, institutions, and companies that use the system.[12]
Success Story
In 2006, Fiji launched a four-year project to reduce levels of contaminated water that were leaking into the reef by developing sustainable, practical water solutions to treat wastewater in the area. The environment was endangered with plenty of tainted water finding its way into the marine environment. The health of the community was affected along with the tourism industry.
The project was launched and funded by the New Zealand Aid Program while working with the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). These organizations worked closely with the village community. It was important to the partnership that everyone who wanted to be involved could be in regards to their water systems. According to the project lead Chris Tanner, "The success of the Wai Votua project was dependent on the willingness of the community to participate... the project has been able to engage the whole community in achieving the sustainable water and wast solutions that they will be able to manage themselves into the future."
The project resulted in a sustainable water treatment system that could be constructed and maintained by local labor and natural resources. The water supply and sewage treatment were greatly improved with the use of filters and septic tanks. Families were educated about the quality and monitoring of water use.[13]
Recent Research
The Texas oil and gas industries use large amounts of water each and every day. In July 2014 a report was written by the Atlantic Council of the Energy and Environment program with ideas and ways that the industry can practice sustainable water management. One alternative was to use non-freshwater sources to run machines and for the hydraulic fracturing process. [14]
The Alan Plummer Associates Inc. worked with the Texas Water Development Board and environmental engineers and scientists in February 2011 to research different ways to reuse water. Their four strategic goal areas included infrastructure, management and customer relations, water quality, and water resources and environmental sustainability. [15]
<http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/EconomicSustainability.htm> (Nov. 29, 2015).
<http://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/SocialSustainability.htm> (Nov. 29, 2015).